May In The Summer

Dabis's character comes off as a self-serving fantasy.

Dabis covers a lot of ground as a storyteller while delivering a smart, focused performance.

Ultimately you're left with a drama so contained, it can be neatly wrapped up in single sentences of passed-on wisdom.

Notable chiefly for its knowing, comfortable depictions of female relationships, sibling relationships, familial relationships. Also its determination to rise above some of its more sitcommy plot points.

You believe in these people, you care about them and their struggles. And in the end, you wish them all the best.

There's goodwill to go around in Dabis' modestly engaging yarn, from its appealing performances to the times it zeroes in on the ways culture, tradition and individuality cause headaches and heartaches as much as comfort.

While May in the Summer paints a compelling family portrait, May remains a largely opaque character, so the film doesn't totally deliver as a tale of her self-discovery.

If you're looking for a deep reflection on Jordan and the Middle East, this isn't the film for you. [Full review in Spanish]

The film itself is very regular, but when the family drama kicks in everything gets more interesting. [Full review in Spanish]

A film that pulls us in with a sweet and powerful story where major tent poles of religion and politics are presented in a strong but subtle way.

[May In The Summer] unfortunately lacks the emotional depth for a satisfying resolution.

Refreshingly normal middle-class family in modern Amman and diversity of people give the familial dynamics added interest for a rare and lovely, if mild, view from Jordan.